Common Questions

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?

SLPs are skilled, autonomous professionals who have expertise in the assessment and treatment of disorders of communication and swallowing. A minimum of a master’s degree is required to practice speech-language pathology in Canada and the profession is regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).

What is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA)?

A Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) is support personnel who provide screenings and therapy under the supervision of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists. CDAs possess a graduate certificate in combination with various undergraduate degrees or diplomas in areas such as Linguistics, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, etc.

What is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

An OT is a skilled healthcare professional who works with individuals impacted by illness, injury, or disability to maintain their independence in everyday activities including self-care, leisure, and school/work related tasks. OTs hold a masters degree and are regulated in Ontario by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).

What areas does an OT assess and treat?

A comprehensive assessment of a child's developmental and functional skills is completed to understand underlying reasons for difficulties engaging in day-to-day tasks. Common areas assessed and treated by OT include: fine and gross motor, motor planning, sensory processing, visual-motor (i.e. eye-hand coordination) and daily living skills.

Will my child grow out of his/her speech or language delay?

Although the “wait and see” approach is well intentioned, it is not recommended. In fact, research shows that early intervention is key when treating children with speech and language disorders. If you believe your child may be behind, come see us for a speech-language assessment.

How do I access goverment funded SLP and OT services?

Do I need a referral from my doctor for OT or SLP services?

No. You may receive a recommendation to pursue services by a physician, dentist, educator, behaviour therapist, or other health care professional but you may also self-refer. That said, your insurance provider may require a physician’s script in order to reimburse you.

What does a typical speech therapy session look like?

Therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes. This includes direct therapy, caregiver training, and consultation. Research shows that family involvement is important for success and carryover of learned skills to a home/school environment so the more family involvement, the better. Intervention is provided by a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or a Communicative Disorders Assistant under SLP supervision.

What can I expect during occupational therapy treatment?

OT takes a holistic approach to treatment by addressing a child's skills, daily tasks and environments in which they perform such tasks. OT may involved skill development, modifying an environment or task to promote a child's independence, or trialling various tools to promote a child's engagement in daily activities.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?

SLPs are skilled, autonomous professionals who have expertise in the assessment and treatment of disorders of communication and swallowing. A minimum of a master’s degree is required to practice speech-language pathology in Canada and the profession is regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).

What is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA)?

A Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) is support personnel who provide screenings and therapy under the supervision of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists. CDAs possess a graduate certificate in combination with various undergraduate degrees or diplomas in areas such as Linguistics, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, etc.

What is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

An OT is a skilled healthcare professional who works with individuals impacted by illness, injury, or disability to maintain their independence in everyday activities including self-care, leisure, and school/work related tasks. OTs hold a masters degree and are regulated in Ontario by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).

What areas does an OT assess and treat?

A comprehensive assessment of a child's developmental and functional skills is completed to understand underlying reasons for difficulties engaging in day-to-day tasks. Common areas assessed and treated by OT include: fine and gross motor, motor planning, sensory processing, visual-motor (i.e. eye-hand coordination) and daily living skills.

Where can I find reliable speech & language developmental milestones?

Will my child grow out of his/her speech or language delay?

Although the “wait and see” approach is well intentioned, it is not recommended. In fact, research shows that early intervention is key when treating children with speech and language disorders. If you believe your child may be behind, come see us for a speech-language assessment.

How do I access goverment funded SLP and OT services?

Do I need a referral from my doctor for OT or SLP services?

No. You may receive a recommendation to pursue services by a physician, dentist, educator, behaviour therapist, or other health care professional but you may also self-refer. That said, your insurance provider may require a physician’s script in order to reimburse you.

What does a typical speech therapy session look like?

Therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes. This includes direct therapy, caregiver training, and consultation. Research shows that family involvement is important for success and carryover of learned skills to a home/school environment so the more family involvement, the better. Intervention is provided by a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or a Communicative Disorders Assistant under SLP supervision.

What can I expect during occupational therapy treatment?

OT takes a holistic approach to treatment by addressing a child's skills, daily tasks and environments in which they perform such tasks. OT may involved skill development, modifying an environment or task to promote a child's independence, or trialling various tools to promote a child's engagement in daily activities.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?

SLPs are skilled, autonomous professionals who have expertise in the assessment and treatment of disorders of communication and swallowing. A minimum of a master’s degree is required to practice speech-language pathology in Canada and the profession is regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).

What is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA)?

A Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) is support personnel who provide screenings and therapy under the supervision of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists. CDAs possess a graduate certificate in combination with various undergraduate degrees or diplomas in areas such as Linguistics, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, etc.

What is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

An OT is a skilled healthcare professional who works with individuals impacted by illness, injury, or disability to maintain their independence in everyday activities including self-care, leisure, and school/work related tasks. OTs hold a masters degree and are regulated in Ontario by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).

What areas does an OT assess and treat?

A comprehensive assessment of a child's developmental and functional skills is completed to understand underlying reasons for difficulties engaging in day-to-day tasks. Common areas assessed and treated by OT include: fine and gross motor, motor planning, sensory processing, visual-motor (i.e. eye-hand coordination) and daily living skills.

Where can I find reliable speech & language developmental milestones?

Will my child grow out of his/her speech or language delay?

Although the “wait and see” approach is well intentioned, it is not recommended. In fact, research shows that early intervention is key when treating children with speech and language disorders. If you believe your child may be behind, come see us for a speech-language assessment.

How do I access government funded SLP and OT services?

What can I expect at my child's speech and language or occupational therapy assessment?

An assessment is typically an hour, but may take up to a few hours (over a couple sessions) depending on the presenting concerns. An assessment generally begins with a review of the client's case history, a parent interview, then proceeds with observations of the child's interection with his/her caregivers and environment. Whenever possible, informal testing (observation, play) will be supplemented with formal testing where the child may have to perform specific tasks (related to motor/self-help/language/speech skills).

What does a typical speech therapy session look like?

Therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes. This includes direct therapy, caregiver training, and consultation. Research shows that family involvement is important for success and carryover of learned skills to a home/school environment so the more family involvement, the better. Intervention is provided by a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or a Communicative Disorders Assistant under SLP supervision.

What can I expect during occupational therapy treatment?

OT takes a holistic approach to treatment by addressing a child's skills, daily tasks and environments in which they perform such tasks. OT may involved skill development, modifying an environment or task to promote a child's independence, or trialling various tools to promote a child's engagement in daily activities.

Do I need a referral from my doctor for OT or SLP services?

No. You may receive a recommendation to pursue an assessment by a physician, educator, behaviour therapist, or other health care professional but you may also self-refer.

What are the fees and payment options for services at Aurora Speech Clinic?

Our SLP rates are based on the recommended hourly rates issued by the Ontario Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA) and will be discussed at your initial visit. Our services are not covered by OHIP but are covered by many supplemental health care plans and are considered a tax-deductible medical expense. Some charitable organizations, such as President’s Choice Children’s Charity and Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity, also cover the cost of therapy. We accept all major credit cards, debit, or cash.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?

SLPs are skilled, autonomous professionals who have expertise in the assessment and treatment of disorders of communication and swallowing. A minimum of a master’s degree is required to practice speech-language pathology in Canada and the profession is regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).

What is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA)?

A Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) is support personnel who provide screenings and therapy under the supervision of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists. CDAs possess a graduate certificate in combination with various undergraduate degrees or diplomas in areas such as Linguistics, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, etc.

What is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

An OT is a skilled healthcare professional who works with individuals impacted by illness, injury, or disability to maintain their independence in everyday activities including self-care, leisure, and school/work related tasks. OTs hold a masters degree and are regulated in Ontario by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).

What areas does an OT assess and treat?

A comprehensive assessment of a child's developmental and functional skills is completed to understand underlying reasons for difficulties engaging in day-to-day tasks. Common areas assessed and treated by OT include: fine and gross motor, motor planning, sensory processing, visual-motor (i.e. eye-hand coordination) and daily living skills.

Where can I find reliable speech & language developmental milestones?

Will my child grow out of his/her speech or language delay?

Although the “wait and see” approach is well intentioned, it is not recommended. In fact, research shows that early intervention is key when treating children with speech and language disorders. If you believe your child may be behind, come see us for a speech-language assessment.

How do I access government funded SLP and OT services?

What can I expect at my child's speech and language or occupational therapy assessment?

An assessment is typically an hour, but may take up to a few hours (over a couple sessions) depending on the presenting concerns. An assessment generally begins with a review of the client's case history, a parent interview, then proceeds with observations of the child's interection with his/her caregivers and environment. Whenever possible, informal testing (observation, play) will be supplemented with formal testing where the child may have to perform specific tasks (related to motor/self-help/language/speech skills).

What does a typical speech therapy session look like?

Therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes. This includes direct therapy, caregiver training, and consultation. Research shows that family involvement is important for success and carryover of learned skills to a home/school environment so the more family involvement, the better. Intervention is provided by a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or a Communicative Disorders Assistant under SLP supervision.

What can I expect during occupational therapy treatment?

OT takes a holistic approach to treatment by addressing a child's skills, daily tasks and environments in which they perform such tasks. OT may involved skill development, modifying an environment or task to promote a child's independence, or trialling various tools to promote a child's engagement in daily activities.

Do I need a referral from my doctor for OT or SLP services?

No. You may receive a recommendation to pursue an assessment by a physician, educator, behaviour therapist, or other health care professional but you may also self-refer.

When should I seek a referral to an SLP?

What are the fees and payment options for services at Aurora Speech Clinic?

Our SLP rates are based on the recommended hourly rates issued by the Ontario Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA) and will be discussed at your initial visit. Our services are not covered by OHIP but are covered by many supplemental health care plans and are considered a tax-deductible medical expense. Some charitable organizations, such as President’s Choice Children’s Charity and Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity, also cover the cost of therapy. We accept all major credit cards, debit, or cash.